Santa Fe Fiesta
The Santa Fe Fiesta is the oldest continual celebration in the United States.
The origin of the Fiesta is the celebration of the peaceful reoccupation by the Spanish of Santa Fe by Don Diego De Vargas in 1692.
It has been going strong since then for the last 291 years.
De Vargas while planning his reoccupation of Santa Fe from the pueblo Indians after their revolt and occupation of the city, prayed to La Conquistadora (a 29-inch wood carved Marian statue, originally brought to Santa Fe in 1625 by the missionary, Fray Alonso de Benavides) and built a makeshift altar and implored her to intercede for the successful re-entry into the town.
Before the end of December 1693, De Vargas led his triumphant forces back into the City of the Holy Faith where La Conquistadora was likely enshrined temporarily in the Palace chapel. De Vargas credited the Madonna's intercession with his victory.
La Conquistadora is among the most venerated Marian figures in the world. She was crowned in 1954 by Cardinal Francis Spellman and again in 1960 by an apostolic representative of Pope John XXIII. Her golden crown is studded with precious stones, including a three-carat diamond. Her extensive wardrobe includes an exquisite lace mantilla from Sevilla Spain and an elaborate costume fashioned from ancient French vestments found in the old Cathedral museum.
Lt. Governor Paez Hurtado who had been one of de Vargas’s captains and a close friend, influenced city officials to draft a proclamation for an annual celebration commemorating the peaceful 1692 resettlement. The 1712 proclamation establishing the first Fiesta de Santa Fe.
La Conquistadora, and De Vargas, it is believed, both inspire the unique and enduring celebration, la Fiesta de Santa Fe, a time of prayer, rejoicing and hospitality for all.
Although beginning in July a procession of La Conquistadora occurs and numerous craft fairs, a mariachi concert at the SF Opera, numerous masses and other celebrations occur, the official start to the Santa Fe Fiesta begins with the Burning of ZoZobra the first week of September.
The Zozobra celebration is the symbolic burning of a 50 ft marionette that represents negative things that occurred in the past year. For the next 4 days the celebration continues in many parts of town.
A carnival in the Rodeo fairgrounds goes on continually during Fiesta. There is a pet parade for children to dress up their pets where prizes are awarded.
A ceremony where a costumed Don de Vargas appears in the plaza is held. A court of the Queen and Princesses of the Fiesta court is part of the parade downtown. A Fiesta Ball is held in the convention center in town as well as numerous opportunities around town to experience traditional Spanish dancing, music, and food.
The whole Fiesta experience in Santa Fe is a true celebration with historical value. It is one more example of the rich history of Santa Fe. We invite you to enjoy it with us.
Eileen Richardson - from The Santa Fe Site
